Years & Years

Much like the title of their debut album Communion, each of the thirteen long-awaited songs by Years & Years are personal; offering some insight into the war-torn love affairs and reawakenings of the band’s past. From Shine – an upbeat, summer dance track with an infectious synth beat, to the album version of Eyes Shut – a slower, heartfelt beat-heavy track that delivers the lyrics in a whole new light. “[Shine] comes from the way somebody can make you feel totally brand-new and special and re-made in the light of their love [but also] unstable and overwhelming,” said frontman Olly Alexander in an interview with Capital Xtra. And I’m sure he isn’t alone in that feeling, although he seems pretty settled with his boyfriend Neil Milan of Clean Bandit, who they will be supporting on their UK tour in October.

After hundreds of fans were being turned away by security for safety reasons due to the unexpectedly large crowd they pulled at the John Peel Stage at Glastonbury last month, Years & Years are a favourite, tipped to make a huge splash on this summer’s music scene. With the release of their debut album coinciding with Apple’s new music streaming service launch – which has been set to rival Spotify – they’re the band everyone is talking about.

Originally a five piece band, the London trio are making a mark regardless of their size; and I’m sure by now the former members are kicking themselves! Most noteworthy is the band’s appearance. Unlike other bands that rocket to the top spot due to having ‘heartthrob status’ these boys are standing out on their own merit…now don’t get me wrong I’m not calling them unattractive, but rather unconventional.

If you haven’t yet heard of Years & Years you may recognise King from a car TV advertisement and believe me once you’ve heard it, you’ll be rushing to add it straight to your summer playlist. One thing that Years & Years have received criticism over is how unequivocally pop they are. Despite being hidden behind their synth rhythms and Olly’s unusual sounding vocals there is no escaping that they will forever be categorised as pop music – but so what? Pop music in its nature is music that is enjoyed by the masses, which you guessed it, makes it popular. These boys may be riding the wave and enjoying their fame but don’t underestimate them. Without is arguably the best track on the album, it’s a ballad of sorts breaking the mould and proving that they have much more to say without hiding behind a ‘dance’ arrangement. So whether or not you’re feeling the love, Years & Years are going to be around for a while yet! Catch them at Lattitude Festival this weekend, Reading & Leeds Festival in August and on tour in October.